The Raven Boys

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive. Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them - not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble. But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can't entirely explain.

Sinner

Everybody thinks they know Cole's story. Stardom. Addiction. Downfall. Disappearance. But only a few people know Cole's darkest secret - his ability to shift into a wolf. One of these people is Isabel. At one point, they may have even loved each other. But that feels like a lifetime ago. Now Cole is back. Back in the spotlight. Back in the danger zone. Back in Isabel's life. Can this sinner be saved?

Crooked Kingdom

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties.

A Torch Against the Night: An Ember in the Ashes, Book 2

Elias and Laia are running for their lives. Following the events of the Fourth Trial, an army led by Masks hunts the two fugitives as they escape the city of Serra and journey across the vast lands of the Martial Empire. Laia is determined to break into Kauf - the empire's most secure and dangerous prison - and save her brother, whose knowledge of Serric steel is the key to the Scholars' future. And Elias is determined to stay by Laia's side, even if it means giving up his own chance at freedom.

Six of Crows

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price - and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone.

An Ember in the Ashes

Laia is a Scholar living under the iron-fisted rule of the Martial Empire. When her brother is arrested for treason, Laia goes undercover as a slave at the empire's greatest military academy in exchange for assistance from rebel Scholars who claim that they will help to save her brother from execution.

The Crown's Game

Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters - the only two in Russia - and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

A Shadow Bright and Burning: Kingdom on Fire, Book 1

Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. Forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she's shocked when, instead of being executed, she's invited to train as one of Her Majesty's royal sorcerers. Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the chosen one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients, bloodthirsty demons terrorizing humanity. She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees.

Shadow and Bone

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Sash & Em: A Tale of Two Bookies says:"Fans of Graceling by Kristin Cashore will LOVE it"

A Court of Thorns and Roses

When 19-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin - one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

Empire of Storms

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't. As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

And I Darken

No one expects a princess to be brutal. And Lada Dragwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her gentle younger brother, Radu, were wrenched from their homeland of Wallachia and abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman courts, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. She and Radu are doomed to act as pawns in a vicious game, an unseen sword hovering over their every move. For the lineage that makes them special also makes them targets.

Heartless

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen. Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense secret courtship.

Carry On

Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who's ever been chosen. That's what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right. Half the time Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half he starts something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there's a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon's face.

Cinder: Book One of the Lunar Chronicles

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.... Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle.

The Assassin's Blade: The Throne of Glass Novellas

Celaena Sardothien is her kingdom's most feared assassin. Though she works for the powerful and ruthless Assassin's Guild, Celaena yields to no one and trusts only her fellow killer for hire, Sam. When Celaena's scheming master, Arobynn Hamel, dispatches her on missions that take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, she finds herself acting independently of his wishes - and questioning her own allegiance. Along the way, she makes friends and enemies alike, and discovers that she feels far more for Sam than just friendship.

Blood for Blood

For the resistance in 1950s Germany, the war may be over, but the fight has just begun. Death camp survivor Yael, who has the power to skinshift, is on the run: the world has just seen her shoot and kill Hitler. But the truth of what happened is far more complicated, and its consequences are deadly. Yael and her unlikely comrades dive into enemy territory to try to turn the tide against the New Order, and there is no alternative but to see their mission through to the end, whatever the cost.

The Winner's Curse: Winner's Trilogy, Book 1

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him - with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Graceling

Set in a world where some people are born with a Grace - a unique, sometimes uncanny, gift - this is the story of Katsa, whose Grace, demonstrated at an uncomfortably early age, is for killing. This makes her a perfect tool for her uncle, King Randa But Katsa chafes at the way she is being used - and even more at the injustices she sees around her.Then she meets Prince Po, who has a Grace to match hers...

The Kiss of Deception: Remnant Chronicles

As First Daughter, Princess Lia is expected to have the revered gift of sight - but she doesn't - and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom - to a prince she has never met. On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive - and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her.

The Beauty of Darkness: The Remnant Chronicles, Book 3

Lia and Rafe have escaped Venda, and the path before them is winding and dangerous - what will happen now? This third and final book in The Remnant Chronicles is not to be missed. Best-selling author Mary E. Pearson's combination of intrigue, suspense, romance, and action makes this a riveting listen for teens.

Like a River Glorious

After her harrowing journey west to California, Lee Westfall has finally found a new home - one rich in gold, thanks to her magical power, a power that seems to be changing every day. But this home is rich in other ways, too: with friends who are searching for a place to be themselves, just as she is, and with love. Jefferson - her longtime best friend - hasn't stopped trying to win her heart. And Lee is more and more tempted to say yes.

The Star-Touched Queen

Maya is cursed. With a horoscope that promises a marriage of Death and Destruction, she has earned only the scorn and fear of her father's kingdom. Though she's content to follow more scholarly pursuits, her whole world is torn apart when her father, the Raja, arranges a wedding of political convenience to quell outside rebellions. Soon Maya becomes the queen of Akaran and wife of Amar.

I debated for a long time about whether or not to read the book or listen to the audiobook. There are some books that are better read than listened to and some that are better listened to than read. Well, after listening to an audiobook sample of The Scorpio Races, I immediately put it on my ‘to listen’ list. I think the performances in the audiobook are worth listening to and really make the book come to life.

The Scorpio Races is set in Thisby, a fictional island of the coast of Britain. This island is no ordinary island. Every November water horses, also known as Capaill Uisge, come on shore. These horses are more monsters than actual horses. They are violent horse like creatures that love the sea and blood. Every November Thisby hosts the Scorpio Races, where riders race Capaill Uisge. The story is alternates perspectives between two characters, Puck and Sean.

When I first heard the story was about man-eating horses I didn’t quite no what to think. I love Maggie Stiefvater but do I really love her that much. Well, I’m so glad I took a chance on this book because it was beautifully written. It has to Maggie’s best work so far. If you read, or listen, to epilogue you will learn that the Capaill Uisge are actually based off of an ancient myth about water horses. I don’t know about you but this is the first time I’ve every hear of this myth. There are several versions of the myth and Maggie took the bloodthirsty water horse one. I commend Maggie for her bravery in writing this book as it’s probably a difficult pitch to make. I’m grateful the publishers took a chance on this one because it’s so good.

What made this book so good was the originality, the characters, the narration, the writing, the setting, and right down to the frightening horses. I loved it all. Puck and Sean have unique plights and you feel for both of them equally. Puck is trying to save her family’s home and to do so she’s running in the Scorpio Races to win the big money prize. Sean is the horse trainer for the richest man on the island. Among one of those horses is the Capaill Uisge, Corr, a horse he’s known since childhood and shares a strong bond with. Only the horse doesn’t belong to him it belongs someone else. Sean rides in the races every year with Corr and has won them 4 years in row.

There is a slight romance in the book but The Scorpio Races is not solely about a love story. I don’t mind that the romance plays such a small role because the book doesn’t need it. When it finally happens it’s more sweet that angsty and that is such a relief from the norm.

The narrators were phenomenal and their British accents made you feel like you were in Thisby with the characters. Sean’s character did sound a lot like Clive Owen, which was cool but sometimes it made me picture him as Sean. I got passed it though and I didn’t for a second regret listening to the book instead of reading it.

Clearly, I recommend this book since I loved it so much. If you are in the mood for something completely different, The Scorpio Races is the book for you. I think older teenagers and adults would love this book. It’s a beautiful book, so don’t hesitate to read it.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Scorpio Races to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version. The audio edition was outstanding due to the amazing voice work of the narrators.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything. Exceptionally well-written. The prose was almost lyrical at times in its use of language. Exceptionally good development of Puck, Sean, Corr, Dove and the island of Thisby. I felt like I was there living the story.

What about Steve West and Fiona Hardingham ’s performance did you like?

It was perfect for the characters and drew me in completely.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Too many to note, although the ending was exceptionally moving with Sean and Corr.

Any additional comments?

Can not recommend this highly enough to anyone who loves a good, well-written story--especially one involving horses. Somewhat took me back to my childhood of getting lost in the Black Stallion series.

I admit, I was very skeptical about The Scorpio Races, (I wasn't a big fan of Shiver) and possibly would have put off reading it even longer if it wasn't for amazon sending me two free audible credits. I thought, why not give it a go, since it's free!

I have one word for everything The Scorpio Races lead me to feel: MAGICAL.

It was breathtaking, heart-wrenching and lovable.

The audio-book was AMAZING, the music (created by Maggie herself) and the two voice actors who played Puck and Sean were first class. They had all the different voices and the right emotions at the right times aced, which made the experience all the more magical.

Fans of Mercy Falls trilogy will either love or dislike The Scorpio Races; Maggie mentions in her section at the end of the audio book that it is very different from the Mercy Falls trilogy, and doesn't have kissing every second page (her words not mine!).

Well one thing for sure is that all the years of Maggie's hard work and research has paid off, this book is AMAZING, I'm now a fan for life. (You've achieved one thing Maggie! I felt like I was there, and I'm going to be trying to get the salt out of my hair for weeks!)

I loved this book so much that even though I have audio, I'm going to have to go buy a hardcover copy, because I just have to have it! The cover is beautiful and after reading a few reviews I'm interested to see how some things are spelled, since I was hearing the pronunciation of capaill as: 'kapal-ishka' I always wondered why Holly was having a hard time with the pronunciation, but after seeing the spelling, I understand!

I think that reading The Scorpio Races would lead to an all new experience after listening to the audio-book and I'm excited to plunge into world Maggie created all over again.

The island was amazing, the characters were fantastic, the horses were breathtaking - both of land and sea! and especially the bonds that Maggie created, simply bewitching.

Gabe, I just wanted to punch him! In the end I understood him and his reasons, but still wasn't that impressed. Finn was adorable and I want a little brother just like him! (Maggie said she wouldn't be writing anymore books in this world, ever. But I would love to see a book with Finn as the main character, hell actually I wouldn't mind a book featuring Holly either) Holly was a hoot and I loved Steve West's American voice for him! I adored so many characters, and I'll keep listing them all if I continue.

I haven't forgot Puck and Sean either... the slow build up of their relationship was fantastic, no insta-love here! Watching them ever so slowly shift themselves into each others lives and how highly they came to think of the other while thinking so little of themselves, enraptured me. I found myself being tugged along with them at the slow pace, content to let their relationship unravel and not screaming at them to hurry up (which I'm guilty to doing at a lot of books that are either to slow or fast).

Then there was Sean's simple one liners that had so much impact and meaning that managed to not only set Puck's heart a-flutter, but mine also!

And Puck was such a whirlwind against Sean's steady self and seeing them slowly come together is well worth the read, and ooh boy the tension!

I could go on and on about The Scorpio Races, but would probably just end up repeating myself, However this is an absolute must read! If you are one of the skeptical people like I was, read it - you won't regret it!

The Scorpio Races gets a special place in my heart residing amongst my favourites.

This book came highly recommended to me from a reader I trust completely, or I never would have tried it. I'm just not into dystopians, they make me sad. And I don't want to read about horses. I have horses. They are wonderful, beautiful creatures, but I don't want to read about them. Leary as I was about the whole thing, though, I fell in love with The Scorpio Races by chapter three. It's not about horses so much. It's about a girl and her horse and a boy and his water horse (a dangerous sea creature). It isn't even about a race really. It's about an island and its people. It's about life and death and struggle and hope. And love.

I've heard people say it isn't a romance, and I agree, but there is beautiful love story here. No sighs and gasps, it's more like background music. But's it's wonderful, and it was one of my favorite aspects of the story. The humor was equally as subtle and brilliantly done. The setting was brought to life so vividly, the island became almost magical. The author did a great thing by introducing a straight player - the American - to remind you of the contrast between the two worlds.

Once a year, the island of Thisby transforms for their only call to fame - the Scorpio Races. Main characters Puck and Sean's stories are told in first person point of view at varying chapters (this is very well done, by the way). The water horses have taken both their parents, leaving Puck to barely scrape by with her older and younger brother, and Sean to earn his bread from the horse races (training and riding). Upon learning that her elder brother is leaving the island for good, Puck declares she's running in the Scorpio Races in a desperate attempt to keep him home and hold their lives together for just a little while longer. Because of fear, and because the beasts killed her parents, she enters the race with her almost-a-pony horse, Dove. Sean, having a knack for controlling the dangerous sea horses, is a trainer and a favorite to win the races. But he wants out from under the control of the island's largest stable owner, and more than anything, he wants his horse, Corr. Being the first woman ever to enter the races and the only person not on a water horse, Puck becomes a target for everyone. The only thing saving her, is Sean.

The narration is absolutely perfect. This is a wonderful story, beautifully told, you won't be disappointed.

Maggie Stiefvater has done it again. This time with a well written dystopian novel about carnivorous water horses that come out of the ocean each year. They are captured and raced by the islanders with deadly results which attracts tourist to the small island. Like her Wolves of Mercy Falls series she had modified the mythology just enough to lure me into their world. It's hard to believe that this is just another young adult novel. Maggie does a fantastic job of creating well rounded, believable charters through both their actions and conversation. Puck enters the race as a attempt to save her family, while Sean is a four time champion. This time he is racing for more than just a title. Reading from the authors unique dual protagonist style allow us a glimpse into both Puck and Sean's internal struggles. While the story was obviously building to the climatic race Maggie didn't short change us in resolution which is rich and meaningful. I have read all of Maggie's books, and this is by far her greatest work.

The point of view of Puck Connolly is read by Fiona Hardingham. While Sean Kendric's perspective is read by Steve West. I encourage you to listen to this book if you have the opportunity; in my opinion, their voices make a huge impact in identifying with the characters.

Really glad I downloaded this book. Thank you to all who praised it, so that I would chose to buy it. The characters had so much depth and purpose. I felt that I knew them and was experiencing what they were experiencing. The story was very imaginative and believable. I often questioned whether there really were "water horses" somewhere. Great choice of location for the story, very descriptive. Don't hesitate -- listen to this book.

The characters - from Puck and Sean, through secondary characters like George Holly and Finn, not to speak of Dove and Corr (as the horses, both ordinary and water horses, are certainly characters in their own right).

What did you like best about this story?

The narrative: the two viewpoints added nuances and shifts in experience that, while separate, united seamlessly into one narrative.

Which character – as performed by Steve West and Fiona Hardingham – was your favorite?

I can't pick! I would have to each Sean and Puck - Sean performed by Steve West, and Puck by Fiona Hardingham.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ending was beautiful, and the race itself, though a long time coming, was an excellent culmination of a lyrical, well-written, and beautifully read book.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Scorpio Races to be better than the print version?

I didn't read the book, just listened to the audio.

Any additional comments?

This was better than I expected! As a mid-30's mom, I love the gentle fantasy style of stories, such as Twilight. I like the fantasy, a touch of romance, humor...but nothing that would be disturbing! As this generally falls into the category of young adult fiction, often the plot can be a little on the thin side.Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised at the Scorpio Races. It kept me guessing, right up until the end of the book. There wasn't predictable romance, on every page.....the characters were nicely human (believable), but charming. I wondered how they would really solve all of their problems, and liked the fact that not every little issue had a tidy ending. Some were actually left, for us to ponder over, but not in a disturbing way. We were left, feeling like maybe the big brother was a bit flaky, if understandably so. The younger brother had a mental illness, which was accurately depicted. (I have O.C.D., and can attest to this.) No one ever came out and mentioned it; it was just a part of their lives, and despite his flaws, this character was sweet and charming! So we are left with the idea that, while the family members were imperfect, they could all still be a family, and love one another. This was refreshing.Also, I am so impressed by the author's musical talents! I was left, wanting a c.d., after listening to the music, that introduced and ended the story.:)This was a nice listen, that I would recommend! I should offer a warning, that there are some not-so-gentle, bloody parts...I am very sensitive, but I did survive~ and it didn't outweight the nice parts of the story.

I usually wait years before rereading a book, but after finishing this audio, I immediately started over from the beginning and am enjoying it even more the second time.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything. This story is amazing. The characters are all so real and everything fit together perfectly.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the scene where Puck and Sean ride Cor together. Everything about it was just intense and wonderful. (Please don't hold it against me if I've spelled Cor wrong... I haven't yet read the paper copy I have.)

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All of them. I can't remember the last time I was so invested in a book.

Any additional comments?

This is hands down the best audiobook I have ever listened to. The narraters were both amazing and fit the story perfectly. They added a special magic to an already extraordinary book.

I was determined to not read this story. I don't like fairy stories and I'm not keen on animal tales either, but so many good things had been written about this book I gave it a chance. I fell in love with the written story, so I had to listen to it as well. It is now an all time favorite of mine and I am always pointing people in the direction or this wonderful novel.

The story follows Puck (Kate) and Sean, and is told in their alternating points of view. They are both competing in the annual Scorpio Races; a dangerous, free for all race involving captured fairy horses. Puck is not only the first girl to ever compete in the races, but she plans on riding her non-magical island pony. Puck is trying to save her family home and Sean hopes to win the ownership of Corr, the sea horse he has won the race with in the past. Instead of becoming adversaries, they begin training together and learning from one another. The contrast in their personalities is sharply drawn. Puck is brash, irrepressible, and always willing to pick a fight; whereas Sean is a quiet but strong presence at all times. My favorite scene that shows the contrast is when they wish each other luck before the race.

The rest of the novel works as well, from the setting (an island with a distinctly Irish feel), to the supporting characters. You feel as though Ms. Stiefvater just took up residence there, sat around the pub and listened to local folklore.

The actors who read the parts did a wonderful job. They never tried to take over or overact the roles. They just let the story flow in it's own elegant manner.

This kept me surprised up to the very last line and had me thinking about it for days. It is Ms. Stiefvater's best work yet.

The book was a little slow to get into but just helped you get to know the characters. As the story went on, the pace picked up and the story keeps you hooked! Loved the way it was written and the narrators did a great job. Definitely worth a listen.

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Dobsew

Colchester, United Kingdom

2/3/13

Overall

"Fresh of breath air YA novel"

The Scorpio Races is an intriguing read that puts the phrase “battle of the fittest” to the test. Two people who enter the traditional deadly Scorpio Races for two separate individual reasons, come together to help each other out and try to improve their own chances of winning.

This story has all the elements you would expect to get from a Ms. Stiefvater novel, vibrant and colourful characters and the odd one or two that have a tortured soul. I love how the story is broken down between the two main characters, Puck and Sean. Both have a story to tell and both are very endearing.

I really enjoyed this book and there was definitely a nice build up to the final race. It was a refreshing change to read a novel that was totally different from other stories out there but still had the classic boy meets girl element.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

heidi

Kilsby, United Kingdom

8/26/12

Overall

"My Favorite Book"

I'm a big fan of this author's work but often this can be ruined by the person / people reading the book. Not the case for this author. This book is the perfect blend of fantasy and reality. If you love horses and fantasy this is the perfect novel for both.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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